A03603:397
The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam
The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam: and Gods covenant made with him. Whereunto is added an exhortation, to redeem the time for recovering our losses in the premisses. And also some miscellanies, viz. I. The prayer of faith. II. A preparative to the Lords Supper. III. The character of a sound Christian, in 17. marks. By T.H.The paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam: and Gods covenant made with him. Whereunto is added an exhortation, to redeem the time for recovering our losses in the premisses. And also some miscellanies, viz. I. The prayer of faith. II. A preparative to the Lords Supper. III. The character of a sound Christian, in 17. markes. By T.H.
London: printed by R. Young for R. Young, 1640
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But because the feeble heart might here haply reply, How shall a poor sinner, who wants both wisdom and strength, be skilful to know how to carry himself in such extremities, ⟨p. 317⟩or yet be able to undergo such pressures passing strength? To this the Apostle answers in the 5. verse, If any man want wisdom, let him ask it of God, who gives abundantly, and upbraids no man, and it shall be given him. By wisdom is meant, not the grace of spiritual understanding in the general; but that special point of wisdom which might suit with the present occasion, and make a man cunning to carry the cross. And the Apostle so propounds the direction, that it might answer and point to all the carnal pleas that a corrupt and distressed heart might cast in the way; and therefore you shall observe each circumstance is worth observance. If any of you be banished ⟨p. 318⟩and persecuted, not only such as are able Christians, of great graces, and large abilities, of glorious parts and performances, and therefore might hope to speed best; no, if any the weakest, the feeblest, and the meanest. Oh, but I want a world of wisdom, so much that it's not like to find a sufficient supply; a little will not serve the turn: Why, behold the Lord gives abundantly, richly; if thou beest a beggar in knowledge, he hath riches of knowledge, and he can supply thee. Oh, but I have abused his mercy and help in this kind, which he hath given me, and therefore I fear he will give me no more: He will not upbraid the sinner for what he did abuse; (the text adds, he upbraids ⟨p. 319⟩no man) but will give him what he needs and asks. Oh, but what's that to me, that God hath enough to bestow on whom he will, if he will give none to me? Behold this also is answered; for the words say, If any man ask, it shall be given him. Now this may seem strange, and to be too good to be true to a distressed spirit, and a distrustful soul; Why, is it possible that God should give wisdom to me, who am so ignorant? succour and supply to me, who am so weak and unbelieving? I cannot imagine it, I cannot think it, much less can I expect it at the hands of God: therefore the Apostle in the words rehearsed, gives us a caution to his former direction; Let him ask ⟨p. 320⟩